I’ve oft been struck by this conversation between Jesus and Peter in John 13:36-38, and I’ve written about it before in my blog. “Lord, where are you going?” He is asking the wrong question because Jesus already said, “you cannot follow now”. The question should have been, “ok… what should I do NOW?” Let “later” take care of itself and do NOW, well, NOW. But Peter, like the child the IN ME, says, “why? why can’t I follow you now?” He even says, “I will lay down my life for you.” But Jesus says, “Oh that will happen, but not now, that’s for later, truth is you are going to deny me now.”
Interestingly, Jesus has already answered the questions in vv31-35… He’s in essence saying, “NOW – if you want to follow – glorify the Father, glorify ME. My time with you is short… where I am going you cannot come.” And then Jesus gave the pathway for NOW.
vv34 “Love one another, just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.”
This is a command not a suggestion – love
There is a measure not an imagination – as I have loved you
There is a purpose not a gesture – v35 by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another
We often would rather DIE for Jesus than LIVE for Jesus. Rather die for than LOVE LIKE. You don’t necessarily have to go out in a blaze of glory, but love like an expression of God’s glory in love given freely, given to the undeserving, given before returned, given if never returned. Dying for will come in due time, but live like, love like, so that everyone will know we are OF HIM, Following Him.
Romans 3 is a very well-known passage and verse 23 one of the most quoted in scripture. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Yep, we know it and quote it, and I’m not going to write anything here that most don’t know, but… I’m going to write anyway. Yesterday, I read v22 which begins, The Righteousness of God…
Growing up in the church, in a pastor’s home, doing “right” was drummed into me from the beginning. And when I came up short, it was often drummed in with the drum of discipline, often administered with wood or leather. I know that’s not politically correct, but discipline IS important for good development. I’m not saying that I believe in abuse, but I do believe in correction. Yet, even good correction doesn’t bring about God’s Righteousness.
Scripture is clear that ALL of our righteous acts are comparatively “filthy rags”. (Isaiah 64.6) polluted garments (CSB) and the literal meaning of the word is worse than that, something we wouldn’t want to talk about but a regular reality of life. So, Paul makes it clear v22 the righteousness of God is THROUGH (because of, by) faith IN Jesus Christ – Not just ANY faith, not just sincerity, but by belief IN Jesus – And not just anyone named Jesus, but Jesus, born in Bethlehem, the promised Christ / Messiah, the previously existent, only, Son of God, faith in that Jesus is the vehicle to the righteousness of God
To ALLwho believe (verb, present, active tense = believe, entrust, actively now)
Why? Because we all fall short. I said a few minutes ago, I often came up short, and I still do. And discipline was drummed into me. But verse 22 says there is no distinction. Colossians 3:11 says there is no distinction, not Greek or Jew… Barbarian or Scythian slave or free” … WE are the one who make distinctions, well if you come from this family, or are in this position, or are only THIS “bad”. But without distinction, we ALL come up short. “Well, my sin isn’t as bad as theirs.” NO DIFFERENCE, no table of reference – Short is Short = unrighteous. The “bar” of measure is the glory (weight, reputation) of God. ALL SHORT
But v22 also says to all who believe… that is also without distinction. ALL… v24 they… oh here’s the good news – just like there is no distinction / difference in our sin, there is not distinction in the OPPORTUNITY
– SAVE ONE – to all WHO BELIEVE – IF they have faith in Jesus, THEN, they are Justified Freelyby his grace.
Now stop and look at that backwards – charis – grace = that’s receiving something good that I do not deserve. It comes freely – dorean = a gift, no charge, not earned. Grace, freely given… they – those who believe – they are justified – dikaioo = declared righteous. A verdict is rendered in the courts of Heaven. This is not earned on the battlefield, it is not earned in a contest, it is not earned by inheritance or family position. This word is in the present tense, is passive, and plural. This isn’t only for ONE, but for ALL WHO, and I can’t DO anything for it, but it is being done, remains done, for all who believe – Our position / standing is changed from the state of short of God’s Glory / righteousness, to being declared righteous!
Whew hands up somebody celebrate
We are, in the declaration of Heaven, moved from one position to another; from short of, to positioned in
By Grace… through the redemption that is IN Christ Jesus
Yes, God IS Love, but he is also JUST. So, forgiveness is available, but is borne by the work of Christ at the cross, and only received as we believe and receive that provision. I owed a debt beyond my ability to pay, and he had paid a debt he did not owe on my behalf. And when I believe and receive, everything CHANGES!
Oh, I know we know this, or do we? do you? Just an important reminder today, and if you have not, you can right now. Stop trying and start trusting, stop wondering and believe, and find the change of God. There is a great chasm between us and God, but faith in the work of Christ, bridges the gap
Genesis 24 in total is a very interesting event in the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham. At the end of verse 27 of chapter 24, the servant of Abraham on task to find a wife for Isaac said, “as for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to…
Abraham finally got the promised son, Isaac, when he was 100. Not the son he had first fathered, trying to “help” God. But the son that God had promised in unprecedented circumstances, unnatural timing, but still in the natural way with his wife, Sarah. Sarah has now died, and Isaac is of marrying age. They are living in tents in Canaan, the land of God’s promise. Abraham wanted him to have a wife from his people back in his homeland. So, he assigns his servant to go “home” and find a suitable wife for Isaac. He made this servant give him a deep oath of promise. That practice was gripping under the thigh, the strongest bone, the strongest muscle, strongest tendon, it was a way to say, I won’t break this or that.
Now, I was thinking about this, and that servant
Abraham gave the instruction and he would ultimately get descendants, heirs of the promise of God that would carry on the promise of God – Good for Him
Isaac would get a wife – Good for Him
But the Servant – what’s in it for HIM?
The Journey with the Lord
the Fulfillment of his task
the Joy of just being a Cog in a wheel, in something bigger than Him
A story to tell in Eternity
What’s a “cog in a wheel”?
American Heritage Dictionary says “someone or something that is small in significance in an operation or organization
Fairlex Partner Idioms says small or mundane, could be underappreciated, or unacknowledged in a large enterprise
Do you ever feel that way? Genesis 24:2 Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his household who managed all he owned… So, this IS a guy who is important and does a lot… but we don’t even know his NAME, yet the “machine” that would fulfill Genesis 12’s promises to Abraham – name great – family – land – has a “gear” that has a “tooth” “a cog”, that is this Servant. Without his work, no wife for Isaac, no children, no Jacob, no Israel, the people that become the birthing nation of the Messiah. Certainly, God will do what God will do, but this Cog, keeps them involved. And so, this unnamed, insignificant cog, goes, follows, and meets a girl named Rebekah, and in v27 he states the way of the cog in the wheel, “as for me…”. Many of us try and make our own way for fulfillment, make a name… but as for me…
The Lord has led me on the journey
Wow, there is a sermon here, but this is just a devotion. The Lord is at work. This servant, this cog, asks Abraham and God a series of clarifying questions. A lot of “what if” scenarios are laid out. “What if she won’t come?” “Should I take Isaac there?” NO – Abraham has trust in the God he knows personally because Abraham has been on a journey with the Lord. v7 The LORD – YHWH – any time you see all caps in the scripture, LORD, it is speaking of God’s covenant name. So, when Moses tells us this story, he is talking to God’s people and reminding them that this is the God he met in the burning bush, the I AM. And so, Abraham tells this cog in the wheel, the God who took me from… who spoke to me… swore to me… HE… He will send his angel before… if she is unwilling then you are free from this oath. In other words, I trust God, and if I’ve missed God, then you are free, but I Trust God to prepare the way for fulfillment of his promises.
The Lord has LED me – nachah = bring, brought, lead, guide I’m just a cog in the wheel… there are powers behind this wheel. I’m just a tooth, not the wheel, I’m part of the wheel, but not the machine, I’m part of it, but I’m not the power behind it, I’m just doing my part
In verse 12 this servant prays to the source, the LORD and asks make this happen for me today and show kindness to Abraham…. And he asks for very clear signs so he can be sure and follow and do his part. And it says that before he even finished praying, there was Rebekah. Now, I’m not saying nor expecting that God always does what I want, but God does always answer. And v21 says he silently watched to see whether or not the Lord had made his journey a success.
As for me, the LORD has led me on the JOURNEY to
the journey – derek = road, distance, journey, manner. A tooth on a machine wheel can’t get anywhere alone. A cog just goes WITH the wheel, in the machine, under the power, for the purpose. The cog is always just on a journey.
The LORD has led me on THE journey TO
notice two significant cog-like words THE and TO. This is not just ANY journey, but THE journey. And not just ANYWHERE but TO a destination. There is specificity to the journey the Lord leads us on. There is a reason, a destination… we are part of something he is doing. It is not just a decoration, but an instrument for God’s reckoning, we are on a mission.
Rebekah, meets him, hears him, and runs to tell her mother’s household, and this grateful cog in a wheel begins v27, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld his kindness and faithfulness from my Master – notice the focus again on the work of God FOR those he serves. And As For Me…
If we, who are just a cog in the wheel, will look we CAN find joy. Joy comes from… we already said it, but let’s refocus – the Joy for “the Cog in the wheel” comes from…
The Journey with the LORD – even if it seems like we aren’t going anywhere, or doing anything special, we ARE WITH the LORD. That’s Joy
The Joy of fulfillment of the tasks given. Not the Joy of who knows, or recognition for accomplishment, but of finishing the task… it was FOR the LORD anyway
The Joy of being even an insignificant cog in the wheel. Each cog is important, so we join in the work, on the wheel, part of the machine, enabled by the power, for the greater purpose.
And then the Joy of the Story we will tell in Eternity – no one may know here. This guy is unnamed in scripture, and surely never got to see much of the result of his work, but I believe he went into eternity a man who knew and trusted the LORD and he will have a story when I meet him in Heaven one day
On my, that unnamed servant. He believed in the LORD – He believed it was By Him and For Him. He praised the Lord and the Lord’s blessing of others through him. He cultivated and welcomed being a Cog in an Eternal Wheel.
Don’t be discouraged by anything that is unrecognized nor insignificant in your service, trusted servant – God has blessed you and included you in an amazing eternal story
From my staff devotion a couple of weeks ago, and it was just a short thought but I never got around to posting, it’s been a busy few weeks. This is not intended to be commentary on this passage, but just some thoughts, reminders
I think some Christian Folks then “Ta Da” should be part of our vocabulary
John 14:12 is often quoted by people with an agenda – Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name I will do it 14 … in my name, I will do it
And you read vv15-17 and he promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. Now, remember first that Jesus is about to die. This is Thursday night. And people often quote v12 to say that we should all be doing WONDERS, Miracles, and they even add the verses that follow and say, “if you have the Holy Spirit you should be able to do the miraculous”, they say. But I believe they are missing the point.
Am I supposed to be a “Worker of Wonders” or a Doer of Wonderful Works?
The word is ergon = action, behavior, deeds, effectual labor. Jesus says that those who believe in him will do the action, behavior, deeds, effectual labor, that he does! And it hit me the other day, that John, writing this as an old man, is very selective on the words he uses, led by the Holy Spirit. When John talks about “miracles” he uses semeion = distinguishing mark, miracle, sign – I believe 17 times John uses this word – John uses this word to show us that Jesus is distinguishing himself as the Messiah with these signs. But that is NOT the word here when Jesus is speaking. Jesus is NOT saying that we must, or will, not to say God can’t in us, because anything IN HIS NAME can be done – but that’s not the instruction here. That is not the prophetic word here. The prophetic word here is that those who believe in his name will do the action, behavior, deeds, that he did. What did he do, what was his normal behavior? Love, Tell, Give himself, Sacrifice Self, Obey the Father, Complete the Task, Welcome, Encourage – oh somebody are you with me? Stay with me now. Jesus is saying, IF you believe me, you will do these normal behavioral things.
And then he takes it up a notch and says “even greater than these“. A.T. Robertson points out that the “greater” is in quantity not quality. And that is because in his “leaving” we received the Holy Spirit – John 16:7.
But the “agenda” folks then love that word “whatever” – Yeah – whatever you ask… Let’s go – Yeah – Wait … Look out definer ahead! IN MY NAME – “well what does that mean?” I’m glad you asked – It’s according to his character, his authority, for his glory, in his context, with his contribution of power, according to his plan and purpose. This is not a blank check promise. This is a purposeful promise. If we ask, and the Holy Spirit confirms that we are “in his name” – then YES he WILL do it. And it will be GREAT!
I’ll stop there – Don’t Focus on “Ta Da” – but “To Do what Jesus Does”
Matthew 11:25 “… you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to the infants.”
hidden and revealed
Jesus is speaking in towns after being contacted by John the Baptist, who is in prison and seeks clarity before he dies on his mission. v3 “are you the one… or should we expect someone else.” Just a desire for a little clarity. Is it doubt? I don’t know, but never a bad thing to make sure you are dying for the right thing. And John tells those “Baptist disciples” – “go and report what you hear and see… the blind (see)… lame walk… leprosy cleansed… deaf hear… dead raised… and the poor are told the good news.” Sometimes we try and over analyze, over think, just go and report what you have seen and heard… Sometimes we are too smart for our own good.
Jesus asks them… what were you looking for? When you went to the wilderness to hear John, were you looking for a reed that sways in the wind or an oak of truth standing straight in the midst of the raging wind? Were you looking for fancy clothes? Were you looking for a prophet? Well, you got that and more. Sometimes we go looking for what is missing, but when we get it, it isn’t what we thought, and we are too smart, and we want something else. Happens in the church all the time, “we want someone to tell us the truth and lead us… then 6 months later it’s “oh no, not that way.” Jesus says that John IS the promised 2nd Elijah that would come before the Messiah, v15 “if you have ears, LISTEN” (I know you heard, now listen)
So then down in v21 Jesus begins to scold the pretty little Galilean towns where he had done miracles. He talks about where he did his prime ministry, and he says, if Tyre, Sidon, Sodom had seen what you saw, they (those evil historically looked down on cities) they would have repented, wouldn’t have been destroyed.
But we are too smart…
v25 “I praise you Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, because you have hidden…
Hidden from the Wise and Intelligent – Ok smart ones don’t over think this. Intelligent ones, don’t try to over analyze this. Jesus is NOT preaching a message of exclusion. The wonderful message of Christ, the gospel, is hidden from those who WILL NOT SEE, and will not HEAR. It is not about CANNOT but WILL NOT.
It is like me writing out the recipe to the greatest meal ever had and “hiding” it on the top of the table, right here, and telling you it is here. But it is “hidden” because 1) you think it isn’t good 2) you think you won’t like it 3) you will not come to the table 4) you won’t cook and eat it. So, the recipe is “hidden” – that Greek word is krypto – oh it’s hidden, it’s cryptic, when one won’t take and apply it. But Jesus says it is “revealed” – Apokalypto to the infants – nepios . literally simple-minded, child. The one who will not overthink it but hear. Earlier in Matthew 11 Jesus addresses some of them as spoiled children who fuss at people for not dancing to their tune. But these are not those children spoiled by entitlement thoughts. No, these are surrendered, humble, grateful, children. They are hungry, needy, willing, wanting, happy to receive, honest, and grateful.
What’s the difference between those from home it is hidden, and those to whom revealed? DISTANCE and DEFERENCE. – When we hear and understand v25 and the context of this chapter’s teaching, THEN we understand the more famous words coming. Jesus says, “no one knows the Father but the Son, and anyone whom the son desires to reveal – “There it is pastor, see it’s exclusionary to a special few” – NO
What makes the difference is Position and Palpability, Distance and Deference – Far or Near – Willing or Unwilling – and so he says to ALL – vv28-30 Come, Give, Takes, Learn, Find, it’s Easy
Come to me, all of you, who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is east and my burden is light
Come, give, take, learn, find, easy rest
Oh I’ll stop here – but go back and read those verses again 28-30… Hear Jesus speaking both to the wise and to the simple… and only the simple childlike find the revelation.
The answer is not hard, but it IS located by Jesus, if you will come and see.
Mark 9:28-29 Jesus’ disciples ask Jesus a question we sometimes ask, Why couldn’t we… and Jesus answers in v29 this kind… by nothing but prayer
Now this is an instance where a man came to Jesus, was interrupted along the way by the disciples who tried to do what he was coming to Jesus to have done and they couldn’t. The man had a son who had spirits that caused seizures and other things. The disciples tried unsuccessfully to cast them out.
Now you must back up – Jesus was on the “Mount of Transfiguration” with Peter, James, and John – when they came down, there was an argument going on. Jesus asked “what are you arguing about?” And the Father says, notice, “I brought him to YOU”. Don’t miss that, Jesus had NOT sent the disciples out to do things, but they seem to have interjected themselves into a situation, attempting to do what Jesus does. But couldn’t. When they asked “why couldn’t we“. Jesus says “this kind can come out by nothing but prayer” – Some manuscripts add, “and fasting”. But Robertson suggests this was a “late addition to explain the failure”. The oldest best manuscripts don’t have the addition of “fasting”. But the point seems to be that you can’t just run around and “do what you do”, or operate in your S.O.P. The thought, I’m sure, in adding fasting is that the spiritual practice of fasting changes everything. When we fast, our entire focus is: God, Separation from the normal, Seeking God’s Will and Purpose, Seeking God’s glory, Finding God’s intervention and his way.
But isn’t that the purpose of prayer? Well yes it is, but often we need fasting to cause us to do those things. Prayer is often changed, but us, into a “laundry list”. As I often say, we pray like WE are the VINE and HE is our Branch. “Dear Lord, I need x,y,z and a,b,c and sort of p,d,q, In Jesus’ name Amen.” As if his job is to carry out our desires.
Well, the old acrostic – A.C.T.S. in short or long format, is a good way to get to what God wants. If you don’t know that’s Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication, in THAT order.
Just like worship, isn’t worship if it doesn’t cost us something; service isn’t service if we are not certain God wants it, and he is the one who gets the glory, if we don’t need his power, if we don’t have his timing, then we aren’t serving HIM. It’s like going to someone’s house and saying, “I just painted your house, it’s beautiful red, just here to serve you.” And the person says, “well, I just painted it my favorite color blue last week, and besides, it’s plumbing work that I needed done.” That’s NOT service.
Jesus shows up and sees the inability, the lack of faith, and says, v19 you unbelieving generation, How long…?” What are we failing to believe? His Presence, Personhood, Power, and Purpose. That gets in the way of our faith and actions.
How do we become full of faith? It starts on our knees in prayer, spending time, listening, pondering, knowing his purpose, and talking to him.
So go back to that acrostic – you perhaps know it but think with me
Adoration – praise him for Who his. Love him for what he has done. Be amazed at what he can do. Just focus on him.
Confession – If I don’t remove my sin, he doesn’t hear my prayer David say. It hinders him from hearing and seeing me. It hinders my ability to hear and see him.
Thanksgiving – Celebrate what he has done. It puts into perspective what I think I need. If he never does another thing for me, he has done some much and I have so much.
Then
Supplication – NOW, I’m in position to ask, hear, believe, and act. and then v23 says everything is possible for one who believes.
It’s not just about believing that he can, but that he wants to. It seems that the disciples doubted, or it wasn’t God’s plan for them to do, or even they weren’t surrendered to the power and to the glory of God, but something was out of order. The order comes in the prayer room.
Everything is possible, but not everything is profitable
Everything is possible, but not everything is prudent
Everything is possible, but not all things are in God’s will for me now, and Prayer is where I hear, believe, and then act according to the will, power, and pleasure of God.
A.Lincoln at his second inauguration said, fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away, YET, if God wills that it continue…
Lincoln understood that prayer is NOT a magic potion or formula to get what we want – but it is an alignment process of our will with God’s will, of our actions with his, removing all barriers that he may be glorified.
Lincoln continued, “… if God wills that it continue until all wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether”
So, we come to the Lord with A.C.T.S. prayers and we listen, and we respond as he leads. We understand that God always answers, but 3 ways: Sometimes he says “yes” – so move and live in it. Sometimes he says, “NO” – so move on trusting God’s goodness and his loving answer in the negative. Other times, he says, “Not Yet” – so live in the “until” – keep praying, keep being faithful, keep trusting, keep serving, do the last thing he told you to do. Keep your head up, heart loving, hope shining, hold on, UNTIL, knowing that God is Good.
Pray on Saint
Follow on Child
God is able, and you are able to go with him – but the great things only come with prayer
Just a shorter note today, but could be a bit of a hard hit. Seems I’ve been in the Sermon on the Mount a lot lately. In Matthew 5:17 Jesus says he didn’t come to abolish The Law, but to fulfill it. Paul teaches in Galatians that The Law was a tutor designed to lead us to Jesus. The instructions of the Law then are purposeful. Jesus talks early in the sermon about our need to be “salty illumination”. That is we are to be flavorful and preserving in our lifestyle, and that people should see truth and life in the way we live. “You are the salt of the earth … You are the Light of the earth… a city on a hill“
You might think, “I’m not much of a preacher” or “I don’t have a position” or “I’m nobody, just a tiny light.” But a Tiny Light in a very dark place is still seen to point the way. A small city situated on a hill is still visible. A little salt in a very bland meal is appreciated. The Law wasn’t sent to bind, but to free us. It was not to cause death and judgment, but to give light and direction, to show we need God, and turn us away from Judgment and into LIFE. Jesus says in v17, I didn’t come to abolish… but to fulfill… then “whoever does and teaches these commands will be GREAT in the Kingdom”. The Purpose of The Law was to show how estranged we are from God. It’s always then about Reconciliation. That is our hope, that is our message, Reconciliation. v23 then is telling us, if you are in your spiritual activity, worshiping, confessing, praising, and there realize that you are out of relationship with your brother or sister…
Leave Your Gift There – worship is great, needed, but relationships are what matters. Jesus left heaven because WE were OUT of relationship with God. Jesus became ONE OF us, so that we could become one with God. How many times are you unwilling to go TO someone, become LIKE someone? That is often the only way to restore relationship.
First Go – that word, hypago – is in the present, active, imperative tense – that word means lead, get, go, go their way, lead on slowly, go back, get back – If we are down the road, but down the road without our brother or sister… we should have stayed and gotten right – if not then get back, get back, get back to where you once belonged – That’s what some preachers used to sing – and they weren’t even preaching JESUS> come on somebody – First Go
Be Reconciled – well you can’t be reconciled if you are down the road alone! Go their way, go back (present active imperative) Do it, you Must, do it, YOU do it, NOW – It is critical, it is urgent, it doesn’t happen by accident, so be intentional, purposeful. I read about that word, diallassomai – dia = to transition and allasso = to change one’s feelings toward – so, Be Reconciled, transition and change your feelings toward -whether one person is at fault, or both are at fault – Be Reconciled
With – This is NOT about getting over the hurt, or forgetting it, or even passively forgiving them and moving on – NO – This is about restoring the relationship. That means there WAS a relationship. This is brother or sister – this is someone you were in relationship with… this isn’t a random person. That has its own issues, and we should be kind, just, loving, but THIS is about RESTORATION of a Relationship.
First Go – Be Reconciled – WITH
Then Come and Offer Your Gift – Worship is not complete without Spiritual AND Personal Reconciliation in place. Without it, I don’t understand or apply what God has done for me. I cannot come to God and celebrate my perceived reconciliation with him if I am knowingly unreconciled with my brother or sister because then I don’t know what I think I know!
Jesus is in the upper room, in Luke 22:27 he says who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Well, Greatness is about position and timing and fulfilling purpose, but the obvious answer that they understood was Jesus was greatest among them and yet, 1) he submitted to the Father and 2) He SERVED them. It is what he did because it was why he was sent.
In the same timing, John 13:3-17 is the real-world example of what Jesus was doing and why, and it personified Paul’s teaching in Philippians 2:6-11. In Paul’s explanation, he says Jesus, who is God, emptied himself, did not think it offensive to become a human, a servant. He took up humanity, in all of its limitations and our sin-created unattractiveness, if you will, and he humbled himself, the role of, the responsibility of a servant – even with death as the end game. Why? Because it is what we needed. When you truly SERVE, you SERVE. You Meet the need. I you don’t fill the need, you didn’t serve. The need for us was death, a sacrifice, a perfect life, and Jesus served the need. So, then in John13 in the upper room, same thing. The disciples came in one-by-one, dust and dirt covered sandal feet. In their custom, the house servant would wash the guests’ feet. But if there was no house servant, the FIRST guest who arrived would wash all the others’ feet. None of the disciples had filled the need. There they were reclining at dinner, and Jesus did what was true about his work on earth, what Paul said in Philippians two – He…
Took off his outer garment – he laid aside his glory – He wrapped a towel, that is
he took the nature of a servant and washed their feet. The need was met.
Then he put back on his robe and took his seat – and Paul says God has highly exalted him.
So, who is greater? The one who fulfills their purpose. They were worried about position and Jesus says, timing will take care of position. If you back up to v24 it says a dispute arose among them about who should be considered the greatest – This was a far too common discussion among the disciples. It was actually in my devotion from last week. Jesus says OTHERS argue over these things and they then call themselves Benefactors – a Title – the word euergetes = Doer of God – That was their title not their action. That was an example among the Greek Rulers. And Jesus says, “it must not be like that among you – in other words, we should DO GOOD – not just be called that as a title.
Who is greater?
And Jesus says I am the one who SERVES – diakoneo – it’s the verb of the same root where we get our work deacon – I am among you as one who serves – He is Lord, Creator, Savior, but among you as – this is a constant reminder, regardless of title, ability, or notoriety, I am among you as… I need this – pastor, leader, even because I tend to like to be private, keep to myself, and I also struggle with needing recognition, but I am among you as a servant
Then he says: I bestow on you a Kingdom, just as my Father bestowed one on me. What is that? It is Inclusion and Provision – that you may eat at my table They were worried about a seat at the table, and he says, don’t worry about your seat. You will have a seat, but for now serve. Remember the prophesy about the coming Messiah, Jesus, Luke 1:32-33 he will be great… called Son of the Most High… will give him the throne of David… He will reign and the Kingdom will not end… And he says, I’m going to have a seat for you at the table to eat and drink, have inclusion and provision, with me. But Jesus is saying, everything has a time. Don’t fight over recognition in the temporary kingdoms. You serve NOW and I will place you at my table, I will have a role for you in my eternal Kingdom, and yes you will even have ruling greatness. But
Just as you stood with me in trial – stand with me in service. Then you will stand with me, sit with me, sup with me in the Kingdom.
Let me point out just one other thing: back up in this chapter. This argument over greatness comes on the tail end of the Lord’s final supper with them before his crucifixion. They are in the upper room, sharing a time of Passover remembrance. They are hearing a word of promise, body and blood, a coming Kingdom. Then Jesus says that one of them will betray him, and they start arguing over who would be, and that lead to who is greatest, and they missed the whole point. Can’t you just see/hear them – acting like we might be very familiar with – “well I would never betray him… I’m his most faithful one… I love him more than you… I’m greater, I will have a better seat… I’m the best servant…”
Careful, as we serve that we stay focused on the service and let Jesus take care of the Kingdom and Kingdom Rewards and Recognition.
Matthew 5:48 Jesus says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”. I read this and then went to Genesis 17:1 – Abraham is 99 years old and God says, “I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless.“
In Matthew 5, Jesus is giving what we call “the Sermon on the Mount” – he is casting a big vision – not of the unreachable but of the “Normal Life”. He takes the commandments and applies them to our heart and intention in vv21, 27, &28. He talks about 2nd Mile Ministry, and then the closing section he is talking about loving your neighbors, but more, loving your enemies. That love, embraced and lived out makes us “children of God” in action. The sun shines on the evil and the good. Rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous – Love sees no reward, no relationship, it just sees people in the imagine of God as worthy and in need of love – So, LOVE and then he concludes by saying “be perfect, therefore, as your Father in Heaven is perfect”
We hear that word, “perfect” and we exclude ourselves thinking it doesn’t apply to us, it’s just wishful thinking, but that word (teleios) is about completeness, maturity, that kind of perfection. so
Finish – love your enemy AND your neighbor
Be Mature – Grow Up – if you only (v47) greet your brother and sister, what are you doing that is out of the ordinary even pagans do that.
Be Complete – love like the Father loves, give like the Father gives. If you only love those who love you… where is the reward in that? God is making us to be “out of the ordinary”. This is “Ordinary” that sin created, which is selfish and dying. He wants us to be selfless, complete, mature, Alive! And THAT is Normal – in the Kingdom of God in Christ
Matthew 20:22 – you don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink
Often we don’t know what we are asking the Lord. We’ve all seen or read stories of a genie, “I wish for…” And we all think, “wouldn’t it be great if I had _______________”. But sometimes the literal fulfillment might not be what we thought. There is an important principle, “every change, changes every THING.”
There is an “old school” way of praying that we need to come back to, “Lord if it be your will.” “Lord, I’d like you to move in this way, but bring about your best.” How did Jesus pray, “not my will but yours be done.” There is a slice of Christian Culture that says, “If I just have enough faith.” They believe that somehow it all comes down to man’s faith. But in that scenario we are assuming that 1) We know best 2) we know the by-product. It then is always important that we have faith, 1) in God’s Ability, 2) in God’s knowledge, 3) in God’s wisdom, 4) in God’s goodness, 5) to follow and trust God with the outcome.
So, here Jesus says, “you don’t know what you are asking.” When you back up to v20, Momma Zebedee brings her boys to Jesus and says, “Promise that my boys can sit on your right and left in the Kingdom.”
And Jesus says, “You don’t know what you are asking.”
Kingdom reward DOES have earthly struggles. What she asked is like me saying, “promise me that I can WIN the Marathon I just signed up for, my first.” Yeah, the problem is, there is a price to be paid to prepare. There is an effort necessary to complete that task. I may not have the capacity for that task, even IF I do the work. I know of marathon runners that HAVE the capacity to do the pace needed to win, and yet still get to a place in the race when their bodies quit, and they have passed out from the exhaustion.
Jesus asks, “are you able to drink the cup” – Mark adds, “to be baptized with the baptism which I am baptized” – Can you be immersed with what it takes? And surprisingly, a bit ignorantly, if not arrogantly – James and John answer, “Yes we are” – mighty bold statement. They were ready, at least they thought they were.
Then Jesus makes a surprising statement – “you WILL indeed drink my cup.”
boys, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you WILL drink the cup of suffering, the bad news is the results will be different that you are hoping or thinking.
Following Jesus is about – Following JESUS, not about where we get to sit. Being In the Kingdom is the result of the work of Christ, and our faith filled reception of it, anything extra is, well, extra.
Jesus says, “to sit at my right or left is not mine to give, it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
Wait, so if I obey, and follow Christ, and prepare, and I’m good at what I do… I don’t get a mega church, and big earthly success? Not Necessarily
So, you are saying that God has a plan, a purpose, and my path doesn’t mean the same results as everyone else? Not Necessarily
Jesus had already told them in Matthew 19:28 that they were going to have Twelve Thrones to judge Israel. So they had a huge promised task and reward, the Sons of Zebedee just wanted assurance of greater notoriety, “hey mom, can you help us?”
The Call is to Deny Self and follow him. The certainty then is that the work of Christ has provided all we need for life and godliness, so any additional outcome, besides Heaven and inclusion in the Kingdom is wholly on the purposes and plans of God.
Jesus, divine yet incarnate, subordinated himself to the Father, he relied on the power of the Holy Spirit, so what are WE to do? At the beginning of THIS chapter, Jesus tells the parable of workers who worked, full days, part days, and just a few minutes and they all got what? They all got the same reward. So then, we are quibbling about recognition not even reward, so regardless, let it go.
This makes the other 10 disciples angry, and Jesus has to sit them ALL down in vv25-28. Service isn’t about Sovereignty but about Surrender, Subjugation. Jesus says, “the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… it must NOT be THAT way among YOU. On the contrary, whoever wants to be great must be a servant… The Son of Man did not come to BE Served, but to Serve, and to give his life.
Giving of my life doesn’t just mean to die. It means to release control and recognition, for the sake of a greater dominion.
Let me add one thing:
Don’t worry if there will be enough reward and recognition for you in Heaven, there WILL be. There will be reward, there will be crowns, there will be blessing, and it will be MORE than we can imagine. But when we get there and when we receive it, our response will be to feel unworthy, and to use whatever we receive as “worship tools”, throwing them at the feet of the One who provided it all
Pastor Goforth 